By: Lola O'Leary
Kennesaw State women's basketball enters Conference USA play on Jan. 2 as it hosts Middle Tennessee at 7 p.m. at Vystar Arena. With a 7-4 record in their non-conference schedule, the Owls are off to their best start in head coach Octavia Blue's tenure (2021-) and strongest showing in non-conference since going 11-4 in 2014-15.
For Blue, the milestone reflects the continued growth of a program that has steadily built momentum in recent seasons, though the focus remains on long-term success rather than early results.
"It's a great accomplishment, but we didn't set out to have the best 11-game start. We set out to have a successful season," Blue said, emphasizing a game-by-game mindset and noting there is still plenty of room to improve as the season progresses.
The Owls' early success has been fueled by improved execution, defensive discipline, and consistent offensive production.
One of the most impactful contributors has been Shania Nichols, who has emerged as a reliable scoring option and a steady leader on the floor. Nichols enters CUSA play leading the nation with a 3-point shooting percentage of 53.6% on 22 makes of 41 attempts. Her ability to stretch the floor has opened opportunities for Kennesaw State's interior offense while giving the Owls a consistent scoring threat on the perimeter.
Coach Blue praised Nichols' seamless transition into the starting lineup. "She hasn't missed a beat," Blue said. "She shoots the ball at a high clip. You almost feel every time she takes a shot, it's going to go in, and that's a great feeling to have as a coach. She really adds a different element to our team that we hadn't had in years past. A sniper who absolutely knocks down a three every time she catches it, and it opens a lot for us on the inside."
That consistency, according to Nichols, is the result of preparation and trust in the program around her. "I would say my preparation leading up to this season," Nichols said. "I'm in the gym every day, and the confidence of my coaching staff and everybody pouring into me gives me confidence within myself to keep going."
While Nichols has played an important role, Blue believes what truly separates this team from previous seasons is its balance and depth.
"We've had different players step up in every game, and that's a great luxury to have," Blue said. She explained that KSU's depth makes it difficult for opponents to focus on shutting down just one player and added that the team's chemistry has come together more quickly than in past seasons, something that has already been evident on the court.
The historic start also highlights the broader trajectory of the program since Blue's arrival. When she took over, Kennesaw State was in a rebuilding phase. Now, the Owls are producing consistent results and competing with confidence on a nightly basis. According to Blue, that growth has been driven by a combination of leadership from returning players and full buy-in from newcomers.
"You can show and talk to people about the way things should be done, but you've got to have a buy-in," Blue said. With veterans setting up the standard and new players embracing the program's expectations, she noted that the team has fully committed to the culture being built, something she says has made this roster especially rewarding to coach.
For Nichols, being part of the program's best start since 2014 carries meaning, especially given the challenges Kennesaw State faced entering the season.
"It means everything," Nichols said. "We had a lot of injuries coming into this season and just continuing to pour into our team and having everybody there encouraging and supporting each other means everything."
For Nichols, it's not just about the wins; it's about the team's commitment to one another and to the process, which she says makes a big difference when they step on the court.
Nichols also credits her relationship with Blue as a key factor in her development this season. "It means a lot, honestly," Nichols said. "She's always on me, but I love that. I love a coach who's going to stay with me because it's all love. We're continuing to learn from each other, and the more we do, the more it shows on the court."
Her growth under Blue has translated into confidence on the floor and consistency in her performance, giving the Owls a reliable presence in key moments. For Nichols, and for Kennesaw State as a whole, the combination of strong leadership, hard work, and team chemistry has made this start one to remember. As the season moves forward, Nichols' dedication and the guidance of Blue will continue to play a crucial role in sustaining the team's success and setting up the tone for what could be a historic year for KSU women's basketball.
